Man United 'needs more Brunos', says Amorim, after fine Fernandes freekick

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United needs more players of the quality and character of captain Bruno Fernandes, manager Ruben Amorim said, after the Portuguese's stunning freekick in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

Fernandes has faced criticism for his leadership in recent weeks, with former United skipper Roy Keane labeling him an "imposter".

But, amid another dreadful season for the Red Devils, Fernandes has repeatedly been a rare source of inspiration.

His brilliant strike on the stroke of halftime at Old Trafford was his 12th goal of the season.

United's second-highest goalscorer is the injured Amad Diallo on nine.

"That we need more Brunos? That is clear," said Amorim.

"Not just the quality, the character that he has. The availability in this league, which is so important, and he is so decisive with the ball and without the ball."

Not for the first time during Amorim's first troubled months in charge, his side proved to be a match when faced with a stronger opponent.

United drew at runaway Premier League leader Liverpool in January, eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup and beat Manchester City away earlier in the season.

However, it has routinely struggled in matches it is expected to win, and finds itself down in 14th place in the table.

Despite playing at home, Amorim's men had just over 30 percent possession, and he made it clear that he does not want to play a defensive style.

"In the future, I want to play a different kind of football," he added. "To spend more time attacking with the ball in the last third, than defending in the low block.

"The spirit, to follow the plan, to be together, that is a good thing.

Arsenal forgets 'basics'

Declan Rice's strike 16 minutes from time at least salvaged a point for Arsenal, and prevented the Gunners from failing to hit the target in three consecutive Premier League games.

But, its challenge for the title appears over, as Liverpool now sits 15 points clear.

Even if Arsenal won its remaining 10 games, Liverpool would need just 16 points from its last nine to secure the title.

"I don't want to say that (the title race is over), but today the frustration is that we haven't won our game," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

"We know the urgency, we are obligated to win every single match, and if we have any chance of doing that, I don't think it's the right moment to talk about it."

But for a brilliant double save from David Raya late on to deny Fernandes a second, and a last ditch challenge from Rice on Rasmus Hojlund, Arsenal would have fallen to defeat.

Arteta was annoyed at how his side played after getting back level, when the three points seemed there for the taking.

"We scored the goal, and when my feeling was that they were very tired, because they could not get out, we opened the door for them to maybe win the game," added Arteta.

"Very basic things done really poorly, and even though we had three big chances, the reality is that David saved us, and with the last chance, we could have lost the game."

AFP